Golden Hill

Golden Hill

Golden Hill is a San Diego community located just to the northeast of the Downtown area. It is said to have gotten its name from yellow-flowered acacias planted there by the famous botanist Kate Sessions. It wraps around the southeast corner of Balboa Park, and its land is mostly flat with a few canyons to the east.

What’s Cool About Golden Hill

The most prominent feature of the area is its close proximity to Balboa Park. The nearest portions of this wonderful area include the Balboa Park Golf Course, the Grape Street Dog Park, and the Golden Hill Recreation Center, which has a plenty of sports facilities and play areas. The park’s zoo and several museums are a bit farther away, but still easily accessible. 30th Street, which runs through the area, has several great dining options and is known as one of the best places for craft beer in the nation. The neighborhood hosts annual events such as Sessions Fest, the Golden Hill Block Party, and the Old House Fair. San Diego City College also lies just outside the region’s western border.

Golden Hill is served primarily by the 5, 15, and 94 freeways. The area tends towards large families and has a high level of ethnic diversity. Many homes in the area were built before 1950, though some have been remodeled, and rents in the region are quite inexpensive. Overall, Golden Hill is a reasonably priced neighborhood with excellent access to both the excitement of Downtown and the tranquility of Balboa Park. By Gary Kent